I’m not typically one to wish myself forward or backward in time. I’m living in the perfect moment that was meant for me by the universe. Having said that, I sometimes look with envy toward the working world that the next generation will inherit. Desks and cubicles will go away and the workplace becomes the table, the beach, the ski slope in front of you. Your hours become those you choose – where you find yourself to be most effective and where you can get the work done to meet your obligations. It’s happening in pockets already and will prove to be an effective model for most office workers.
Our 8 hour work day served the industrial revolution perfectly, but is outmoded in a global and interconnected economy. Millennials may get a bad rap from the working world, but they are smart enough to call B.S. on rules and tradition that serve no greater purpose than familiarity and conformity. I don’t think Tim Ferris was setting out to dictate a literal number of hours in our week, but rather to challenge people to think about how they are spending their time and whether there might be a more efficient way.
Part of my interest in the concept of a “gap year” is to reset my own clock. To step away from the boundaries instilled by 20+ years of office/professional work into finding something that more naturally fits my lifestyle – and my desire to see more of the world. The emerging class of “Digital Nomads” have been an inspiration for me to think beyond the cubicle. My goal is to contribute meaningful work to both myself and the larger community without confining my schedule or location to a predefined idea.
I’m already looking forward to picking out my new office furniture. I just need to figure out what goes well with snow skis….
If you’ve found a successful path – I’d love to hear from you. Where do you work?